Is #Mancer the answer to the question?

Lee Moriarty is the longest reigning ROH Pure Champion EVER, but he might be going up against the craziest challenger ever in Mance Warner!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Grizzled Young Veterans VS The Rascalz; The Rascalz win.
• Queen Aminata VS Lacey Lane; Aminata wins.
• Six Man Tag: Serpentico y Los Colons VS Kiran Grey, Alex Kane & Bruss Hamilton; Serpentico y Los Colons win.
• ROH Women’s Pure Championship Proving Ground: Deonna Purrazzo VS Isla Dawn; Deonna wins and denies Isla a title match.
• Bryan Keith VS Tommy Billington; Keith wins.
• ROH Pure Championship Proving Ground: Lee Moriarty VS Mance Warner; Lee wins and denies Mance a title match.
• Lio Rush VS Griff Garrison; Lio wins.
• The Kingdom VS Alec Price & Jordan Oliver; The Kingdom wins.
• ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Ground: Athena VS Hyan; Athena wins and denies Hyan a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Grizzled Young Veterans VS The Rascalz!

With La Faccion Ingobernable still the ROH World Tag Team Champions, they still need a team to step up and challenge them! Will Zack Gibson & James Drake SSSSOOOOOON be recognized as worthy challengers? Or will Zachary Wentz & Myron Reed light it up and smoke ’em all?

The teams sort out and Zach starts against Drake. Drake refuses the Code of Honor, so the bell rings and the two circle. Gibson takes as swipe, but Drake attacks in the distraction! The fans boo as Drake stomps away on Wentz, then he sucker punches Reed! Drake stomps away on Wentz again, then tags Gibson. The fans boo but Drake whips Wentz to the corner. Gibson says this is for Vegas! Gibson traps Wentz so Drake can ELBOW Wentz! But Wentz ELBOWS Gibson back! Drake blocks a boot, but Wentz reels Drake in, hops over, then slides under Gibson, hot tag to Reed! Reed CROSSBODIES GYV down and the fans fire up!

The Rascalz stand GYV up but GYV both kick low. GYV runs, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! GYV tumble out while The Rascalz kip up! The Rascalz build speed and DOUBLE DIVE! The fans fire up as GYV go down! The Rascalz put Gibson in, then run up. Body blow, KICK, KICK, and KICK! Then another KICK and a DOUBLE STOMP! Drake runs up, but into the lift and SLINGSHOT BACKDROP NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up, but Gibson DOUBLE LARIATS The Rascalz! Gibson snarls, he suplexes Reed, but Reed slips free. Reed runs, RANAS, and the fans cheer as Gibson tumbles! Reed runs up, goes Matrix to dodge, but Gibson ducks a Pele!

Gibson stomps Reed down, tags Drake, and GYV whip to DROPKICK the leg out so Gibson can then basement DROPKICK Reed! Gibson sets up for MAYHEM IN MOTION! Down goes Wentz but the fans boo. Drake scoops Reed, Gibson DROPKICKS him into the MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Reed survives and the fans fire up! GYV is frustrated already, but the ref has to keep Wentz back. Drake puts Reed in the corner, and Gibson CHOKES Reed with a scarf! The fans boo but Gibson gets away with it. Drake talks trash, brings Reed up, and reels him in for a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Reed toughs it out but Drake stays between him and Wentz.

Drake kicks Reed around, talks trash, but the fans rally up. Drake drags Reed up and suplexes, but Reed hits STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Tag to Gibson, he CLOBBERS Reed! Gibson drags Reed back, back suplexes, but Reed lands out! Reed SUPER- NO, Gibson blocks the kick! Gibson spins Reed, jumps the sweep, but Reed jukes the boot! Reed then goes Matrix to kip up and PELE! The fans fire up while both men are down! Reed and Gibson crawl, hot tag to Wentz! The fans rally as Wentz rallies on Drake again and again! Wentz CHOPS, whips, but Drake reverses. Wentz catches the hurdle for a FLAPJACK, and SNAP GERMAN!

The fans fire up as Wentz goes corner to corner, JUMP KNEE, then a snapmare roll and PENALTY KICK! Gibson is up but Wentz is up the corner! BLOCKBUSTER! Then Wentz handsprings to JUMP KNEE Drake down! Cover, but Gibson breaks it! The fans boo but Wentz storms up on Gibson. Wentz fires hands, and an ENZIGIRI! Wentz runs to CROSSBODY Gibson and himself up and outta the ring! Wentz hurries back up, but Drake runs at him! Wentz ROUNDHOUSES, steps in, and CODE BREAKERS! Wentz goes to the corner, climbs up top, and Reed tags in before the SWANTON BOMB! Reed goes up, 450 SPLASH but onto knees!

Gibson trips Wentz to keep him away as Drake cradles Reed, TWO!! Reed survives that turnaround, but Gibson throat chops Wentz! Drake runs up on Reed to LARIAT him down! Tag to Gibson and Gibson drags Reed up. Drake climbs the corner, Gibson Electric Chair Lifts, but Reed fires hands! Reed slips down, he SHOVES Gibson at the corner, but Drake leaps over! Into a SUPERKICK from Reed! Reed tags Wentz, then he BOOTS Gibson! Reed trips Gibson to get the legs, CATAPULT into a SUPERKICK! Gibson falls back while Wentz goes up, METEORA BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gibson survives and “This is Awesome!”

Reed runs to FLYING CUTTER Drake, but Drake lands safe?! And he POSTS Reed! Wentz PLANCHAS Drake down! The fans fire up with Wentz and he hurries back to the ring. Gibson is up, Wentz springboards but is denied the arm-drag! Wentz runs up, Gibson BOOTS him! Gibson goes up, TICKET TO RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Wentz survives and GYV is furious! The fans fire up for The Rascalz but Gibson tags Drake. GYV drags Wentz into position, and Drake goes COAST2COAST!! Cover, TWO?!? Wentz survives and GYV is shocked! Gibson hurries back to the corner, he tags in, and GYV wait on Wentz. But Reed LARIATS Drake!

Gibson runs upon Reed but gets a GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Then Wentz with a springboard CUTTER! And speaking of, Reed hits the FLAMBE FLAME CUTTER!! Drake is down, Gibson flounders, and Wentz climbs up! The fans cheer “R O H!” as Reed tags in. SPIRAL TAP, and then the 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Rascalz win!

Winners: The Rascalz, by pinfall

Now that’s a way to open a show! Wentz & Reed took everything GYV had and sent it back, but will they get their chance at what LFI has?

Athena speaks.

“Hello, Minions~! It’s about time I graced you with my presence. I am the Fallen Goddess, The Minion Overlord, the American Joshi, but most importantly, I am the Forever ROH Champion. And at Supercard of Honor, I told you what I was gonna. I beat every single one of those porcelain hussies, again, and sent them cwying on their flights home. But now, it’s time to get down to real unfinished business as I had into ROH Global Wars in Cincinnati, Ohio. Because let’s face it, the last time I was in the ring with this person, heheheh… They got the best of me, and I don’t like it. No one likes it, no one should like it. Because I…

“I’m out for revenge, that’s the simple truth. I am out for revenge, I am going to break this woman limb by limb. And when I tried to get it before, this woman ran to Japan, London, and God knows where else. But finally, finally, Minions, I am going to be able to give you the best dream rematch in the entire universe, as your Forever ROH Champion, the most historic champion in ALL of pro-wrestling… takes on Syuri!” Athena has called out The Karate Girl, the reigning and defending IWGP Women’s Champion! Who proves they are truly the best in the world when they meet in The Athens of The West?

Alec Price & Jordan Oliver speak.

Buster tells The Brain, “Oh, Brain! What are we gonna do today?” Oliver says today, they’re gonna beat The Kingdom! Matt, Mike, while they respect you a ton and appreciate everything you’ve done for ROH, this isn’t your Kingdom anymore! Price & Oliver are kicking down the door, invoking squatters rights, and making this their castle now! Price says that’s right! Did you hear how The Kingdom talked to them? The Kingdom was talking to them with no respect! Talking to them like they were kids! Like they aren’t 10 years deep, having gone around the world, going in insane!

Kingdom, oh Kingdom, you wanna step up, then they’ll make you into a stepping stone on Buster & The Brain’s way to the ROH World Tag Team Championships! Price is fired up, Oliver has the plan, but will they take the fight to two icons of honor?

Isla Dawn speaks.

“It’s been a couple of months for me now in ROH, and I’m going to be honest, I am not where I wanted to be. I’ve not made the mark that I wanted, I’ve not picked up the wins that I wanted to, I’ve not risen to the standard that I’ve set for myself. But one thing I’m not going to do is beat myself up over that. Instead, I will beat up the next person that faces me in the ring, and that just so happens to be Deonna Purrazzo, our ROH Pure Rules Champion. And Deonna has had opportunity after opportunity to prove herself, winning the championship, defending the championship, well it’s MY turn to prove myself! And if that has to be at Deonna’s expense, then so be it.

“She can try all of her tricks, she can try to break my arm for all I care, but that’s going to be very difficult to do when I am kicking and kneeing her int he head. No closed fists necessary. Deonna, I’ll see you out there, and I’ll be seeing you for your championship very, very soon.” The White Witch has spoken, but will she turn words into actions like a magic spell? Or will The Virtuosa have the counter to everything Isla will try?

ROH Women’s Pure Championship Proving Ground: Deonna Purrazzo VS Isla Dawn!

The Code of Honor is upheld, but with some tension, and the bell rings. We’re on the clock as the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Deonna powers her way to an armlock. Deonna wristlocks, but Isla spins through to wristlock. Deonna spins through in return, wrenches, and has the wristlock again. The fans applaud, but Isla pulls hair. Deonna hammerlocks but Isla drops down, rolls, only for Deonna to wrench and wristlock again. Isla goes to the ROPEBREAK, and that is her first. Deonna makes a point of it, and we’re one minute in. But Isla kicks low! Isla knuckle locks then powers Deonna down to a cover, TWO as Deonna gets an arm up!

Isla powers the arm back down for a cover, TWO as Deonna gets the other arm up! Isla powers that arm down, TWO as Deonna bridges! The fans applaud, and Deonna fights up. They’re shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, but then Isla powers Deonna down to her knees. Deonna endures, fights up, and she breaks one grip to wrench the other. Deonna drops back to TWEAK the arm! The fans rally, but Isla blocks the whip by holding ropes. The ref calls in a neutral break, but Deonna ROCKS Isla either way! Deonna whips, Isla reverses and she DECKS Deonna! The fans cheer, and the ref confirms, that was forearm and elbow.

Isla UPPERCUTS, whips, but Deonna KICKS back! Then she LARIATS Isla down! The fans cheer and Deonna reels Isla in. Isla fights the lift, and she RAMS Deonna into the corner! And again! And again! Isla stops as the ref counts, but then Deonna dodges the lariat! Isla slips outside, but Deonna ROCKS her first! Deonna thrusts but into a KNEE! Deonna falls, Isla runs, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Deonna survives, and we’re just over three minutes deep as the fans rally up. Isla whips Deonna to a corner, runs up, and ELBOWS! Isla sits Deonna down, then runs in again, HIP ATTACK! She drags Deonna to a cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Isla stands on Deonna’s hair while she pulls the arms! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Isla stops at 4. Isla SMACKS Deonna off the mat, then KNEES her in the side! Isla talks trash on Deonna but the fans rally up. Isla drags Deonna up, snap suplexes, but Deonna scrambles to a corner. Isla steps on Deonna, CHOKES her, but stops as the ref counts 4. Isla runs up, but Deonna BOOTS her away! Deonna goes up, but Isla avoids the knee drop! Isla BOOTS Deonna down, covers, TWO! Isla is frustrated, but she’s already pushed this to the five minute halfway point. Isla drags Deonna up, half nelson and chinbar!

Deonna endures as Isla shifts to a top wristlock, almost a Shankly Gates a la Zack Gibson! The fans rally as Deonna endures, and she fights up with body shots. Deonna arm-drags free, then runs up, but Isla dodges! Deonna dodges, but then DOUBLE LARIATS take both women down! The fans fire up again as the clock ticks away! Both women rise up slowly, Isla runs up, but Deonna dodges! Deonna LARIATS, and LARIATS, then kicks low to KNEE LIFT and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Then a roll and FUJIWARA, but Isla ghost pins! TWO, and Deonna BOOTS Isla! Cover, TWO! Isla survives but Deonna stays focused.

The fans rally as Deonna fireman’s carries, but Isla slips free! BACKSTABBER! ROUNDHOUSE! And SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Deonna narrowly gets her shoulders up in time, but there is still three minutes left! Isla snarls as she dragon sleepers, but Deonna fights the lift! Deonna fights free, snapmares, then- NO, Isla avoids the boot to clinch! But Deonna wrenches through for a takedown! But Isla fights around, tries a facelock, but Deonna still wants the arm! She pushes through to get the FUJIWARA!! ISLA TAPS, Deonna wins!!

Winner: Deonna Purrazzo, by pinfall (denies Isla Dawn a title opportunity)

With two minutes and 15 seconds remaining, Deonna puts the finishing touches on the masterpiece! Will anyone ever take this title from The Virtuosa if they can’t even survive the Proving Grounds?

Caprice Coleman continues to Chop It Up with Athena.

It’s part two of the interview, and Coleman out and asks Athena what she thinks of her main Minion, Billie Starkz. Oh, 400,237 3/4ths? Coleman feels that number keeps getting bigger but Athena says that’s what it’s always been. Coleman’s point is that Billie has evolved thanks to Athena. Has she? Yes! She’s gotten better, learned more, moves quicker, even in her singles matches, she’s adapting everything Athena taught her. Athena says Billie still doesn’t listen to her. Billie is one of the prodigies of pro-wrestling. Athena is the now, the forever, Billie is… a bit further in the future. Well, then is Billie Starkz Athena’s prodigy?

Some would say that. Some would say Maya World is also Athena’s prodigy. They both are, really. But maybe this is cliche, keeping friends close and keeping enemies closer. Athena is not dumb. Billie does have what it takes to be successful in the pro-wrestling world. Billie’s tried it with Athena time and again, but she’s never adapted, which is why Athena keeps the MIT contract close to her heart. Until Billie proves she can be the big bad wolf, stand on her own two feet, she’ll be a Minion forever. What if Billie thinks Athena is the big bad wolf? Oh, Billie tried that before. Been there, done that, Athena put Billie in her place.

Coleman brings up Supercard of Honor, cuz y’know, he called the match. She continues to find ways to win. He saw an opportunity Billie had to throw in the towel… Athena says the plan was to stick together. She feels everyone thinks she’s a monster because of “tough love.” People don’t like how Athena treats Billie, that Billie should run away and not take it anymore. But Billie understands that to be great, she has to be surrounded by greatness. At Supercard, she wasn’t sure what the towel thing was, but “Diabla” can handle it. Athena’s had Billie’s back, she always has. Look back these past three years, see that Athena has never thrown the first punch.

Athena put Billie in her place. Athena has tried and still tries to be a parent to Billie in this, and every step of the way, Billie has been ungrateful. Billie tries things her way, she fails. She does things Athena’s way, she succeeds. She became the first-ever Women’s TV Champion! She made it to the finals of the Pure Tournament! But without Athena, Billie can’t get the job done. Coleman wonders if Billie is someone that has done more than Athena gives her credit for. Now, he just says that to say this: There are those who have Athena’s back more than Athena thinks, and if Athena doesn’t give them the respect they deserve, they’ll become the snake Athena doesn’t want.

Coleman isn’t saying to watch your back with Billie, he’s also had moments where he told Billie to watch herself with Athena. But there is something inside of Billie that is ticking. Athena says Billie is emotional, she’s a kid that wears her heart on her sleeve, and Athena is trying to teach her not to do that either. Billie doesn’t take the lessons seriously. Billie IS Athena’s biggest supporter, and Athena IS Billie’s biggest supporter, whether Billie sees it or not. Without Athena, where would Billie be? Who would she be? Would anyone even know about Billie Starkz? All because of Athena. Coleman agrees there, but Athena says Coleman’s the one saying beware of what she’s making.

Athena knows what she’s creating. She did with Maya World, too, except Maya wasn’t right here under her wing. Coleman knows, but Athena is so good, the toughest challengers are the ones she created. The toughest matches Athena’s had are with Billie and Maya. Athena asks if Coleman ever considered that was by design. Because obviously, when everyone was going to different places, learning from here and there, AEW and such, like Skye Blue, Thunder Rosa, they weren’t under Athena’s tutelage. Athena’s dog-walked all of ’em! Zayda Steel, Persephone. But the ones that have hung with her are the ones that lasted longest.

Athena doesn’t want to admit it, but she’s kinda proud of Maya. A part of her was furious, because Maya didn’t get the job done. Coleman says one last question: Why ROH? ROH meant so much to Athena as a kid, she earned her spot on the roster. And when Tony Khan bought and saved ROH as Athena joined AEW, ROH became part of the company, she saw an opportunity. She saw a weak champion, took advantage of that, and she built herself and the roster up. Now she is multiple people’s dream matches, she gives back every chance she gets. Many people question why she’s stuck around in ROH, and she gets that, AEW is the ultimate goal.

But right now, ROH is home. This is her baby, this is her show, this is her division. No man can live up to the reign, no woman can touch her legacy. She IS the Forever Champion. And it’s about time everyone got over it. Coleman says sh’yeah! But Athena will still face Hyan tonight in a Proving Ground match, will she continue to be untouchable? Or will she owe another title match to a young and hungry contender?

Backstage interview with Queen Aminata and Lacey Lane.

ROH’s newest interviewer, Sam Leterna, is with the One True African Queen and the Pinay Spitfire, and brings up they’ve been opponents in singles and tag competition. Aminata owns two wins over Lacey, but Lacey has requested this time. What does it she wants Aminata to hear? Lacey says they’ve beat the hell outta each other, but that only makes Lacey stronger. She’ll do it again over and over. Aminata says well, okay. If Lacey wants to keep doing this over and over, Aminata will gladly do it again. She’s beaten Lacey twice, so whenever Lacey wants it, let her know. And this is kinda Aminata’s way of welcoming Lacey to ROH, so yeah.

They shake hands on it, but Lacey promises Aminata won’t get a third W. Aminata tells Lacey to always look up. When and where will we see round three from these young rivals?

ROH Pure Championship Proving Ground: Lee Moriarty VS Mance Warner!

#TAIGASTYLE has been dominating the Men’s Pure Division and has made history as the longest reigning champion, but none of that matters to a man who just wants to fight! Will #Mancer be the answer to the Moriarty puzzle? Or will he just end up another name checked off the list?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as we’re on the clock. The two circle, tie up, and Lee trips Mance to get a leg and step through, ARMBAR! Mance scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Lee says too easy! That’s his first in only 15 seconds! Lee says Mance ain’t ready! They tie up, knuckle lock, and Lee kicks one to wrench the other, then he hooks a leg! Lee has a half straitjacket variation on the hold, and Lee flexes as he continues to brag, “He ain’t ready for me!” But Mance scowls as he fires body shot after body shot! Mance then wrenches free, and he BITES the hands! The ref reprimands but that’s all as we reach one minute in.

Mance and Lee reset, feel things out, but Mance puts some stank on the hands. Lee is reluctant, but then Mance kicks low! Mance TOSSES Lee out, goes out after him, and keeps him outside to CHOP! Mance CHOPS again and the fans cheer! Mance CHOPS again, then whips Lee into railing! Lee slumps down but the fans rally up. Mance refreshes the count, he whips Lee into railing again, and even harder! Mance fires up, the fans like it, and Mance has a CRSOSFACE CHICKEN WING! The fans fire up, but Lee spins and whips free to POST Mance! The ring count continues to climb but Lee whips Mance into steel steps!

The fans rally as we pass two minutes, and Lee leaves Mance behind. Lee shows off his dance moves while Mance is still down. Mance drags himself into the ring at 7 of 20, but Lee grabs Mance’s arm. Lee wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wrenches again, for another ELBOW BREAKER! Lee hammerlocks, slips under an arm, and he hooks the legs for a roll and KOJI KLUTCH! Mance endures as it’s almost a ground octopus! Mance fights to the ROPEBREAK! That is his second as we pass three minutes in. Lee sits Mance up, CHOPS him, then CLAWS Mance’s back! The fans rally as Lee BOOTS Mance!

Lee says this is what Mance wanted! He BOOTS and BOOTS and BOOTS but Mance eggs him on! Lee BOOTS again and again, but Mance stands up! Another BOOT, but Mance ROCKS Lee with that closed fist! That’s Mance’s one warning, but he still pushes Lee to a cover, TWO!! Lee is still in this but Mance stalks Lee to the ropes. Mance whips, BOOTS, and runs up again to CHOP! Mance whips and POP-UP HEADBUTTS! Both men wobble, but Mance rebounds to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lee toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Mance waits on Lee, then dodges to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! And CROSSFACE!!

Lee endures as we hit five minutes! Lee fights, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! That is Lee’s first, but Mance likes that because that’s better than most! The fans rally for Mance as he CHOPS Lee! Mance CHOPS again! And he runs, but Lee goes Matrix to wrench and SLEEPER! Mance endures, snapmares free, but Lee switch kicks to KNEE Mance! Lee crosses the arms, STRAITJACKET FANG! BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Four minutes left as Mance reaches out! The fans rally, Mance POKES Lee in the eyes! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives but Mance takes aim! COUNTRY WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!!

Lee survives, Mance hurries after him, and he powers up the knee again! COUNTRY WIZ- NO, Lee KICKS that leg! Then roll up, roll through, and the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Mancer endures, reaches out, and has three minutes left! But Lee STOMPS away on the hands! Mance still fights, still reaches out, but he can’t, so he TAPS! Lee wins!

Winner: Lee Moriarty, by submission (denies Mance Warner a title opportunity)

Mance got closer than most, and perhaps more than anyone expected him to, but Lee Moriarty is still dominant. Will Nigel McGuinness make sure to study this film closely before he and Lee go another round?

Backstage interview with Deonna Purrazzo.

Sam Leterna is with The Virtuosa now as she congratulates her on another win. Deonna has been dominant as the inaugural Women’s Pure Champion. Is there any stopping her? Deonna thanks Sam for the congratulations and says when you’re the champion of any kind, that puts a target on your back. But that is where Deonna thrives. Her technique is flawless, and her work ethic is unmatched. So much so that she issued an open challenge to anyone anywhere who wanted their shot at this title. And where she’s from, your word means everything. As challengers stepped up time and time again, Deonna has defended her title, and broken a couple arms along the way.

That’s what makes this reign different, and that’s the Pure-razzo way. Deonna’s dominance certainly continues, but will she find someone able to keep up with her style?

Backstage interview with Serpentico y Los Colons.

Sam Leterna is now with #SNAKEMAN, as well as Eddie & Orlando, congratulating them on their win in their first trios match. What is next for them? Orlando says ladies and gentlemen, let’s properly introduce ourselves! This is Eddie, Orlando, and Serpentico, aka El Trio Boricua! Eddie says yes, three Latinos, and Boricuas at that, they got the win tonight, and so Eddie wants to formerly challenge the former ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions, STP. STP VS El Trio Boricua, and when the Boricuas win, that’ll put them in line for the titles! The Colons love the sound of that! Vaminos! But will El Trio Boricua show STP they can rumble, bad men, rumble?

The Kingdom VS Alec Price & Jordan Oliver!

It was at Supercard of Honor that the former ROH World Tag Team Champions, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, returned home to the brand that made them and that they helped build up. But while they think they can just pick up where they left off, Buster & The Brain said themselves that this is a new age and there are new stars shining bright! But will Price & Oliver prove it to them directly? Or will #OGK prove they’ve still got it?

The teams sort out, Taven and Price start, and they keep the Code of Honor. The bell rings as the two circle and the fans rally up. Taven and Price tie up, Taven headlocks, but Price powers his way to the headlock himself. Taven wrenches free, wristlocks, but Price moves around and around and around! Speed, speed, speed, and a flip! Then Price wrenches and slingshot arm-drags! Taven flounders, Price runs up, UPPERCUT in the corner! Price fires up, whips corner to corner, but Taven goes up and over! Taven keeps moving, he slides under the hurdle, then he DROPKICKS Price down! The fans cheer as Taven says he’s still got it! “IIII’M MATT TAVEN!”

Taven tags Bennett, The Kingdom double whips Price, then dropkick the legs out to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Bennett keeps on Price, and he CHOPS Price in the open corner! Then CHOPS again! Bennett whips corner to corner, runs up to CHOP, then says one more! Bennett whips corner to corner, runs up, but Price handsprings up and over! Then he RANAS! Price keeps moving, Bennett drops down to bypass, but Price springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Price hurries to bring Bennett up. Price wrenches, he tags Oliver, and they double whip Bennett to DOUBLE ELBOW!

Buster & The Brain high-ten, then they DOUBLE LEG DROP! The fans cheer while Oliver covers, ONE! Bennett is tougher than that, but Oliver wrenches and CHOPS Bennett down! Oliver brings Bennett around, whips him to the corner, then ELBOWS! Tag to Price, he runs, and he UPPERCUTS! Oliver DOUBLE CHOPS! Feed to Price who sends Bennett back for Oliver’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Price covers, TWO! Bennett toughs it out but Price facelocks to keep him down. Bennett fights up, Price wrenches, and Price ELBOW BREAKERS! Price whips Bennett to the corner, but Bennett ELBOWS Oliver!

Price runs up, Bennett BOOTS him away! Bennett BOPS Oliver for good measure before he dodges Price, hot tag to Taven! Oliver sneaks a tag before Price runs up on Taven! Taven dodges Price, SPLASHES Oliver, then BOOTS Price! GAMANGIRI on Oliver, LEG LARIAT for Price! Then Taven wrenches Oliver, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! And a BACKDROP for Price! Taven keeps moving, LIONSAULT! Cover, but Price breaks it! The fans cheer, but Bennett TOSSES Price out! Oliver CHOPS Taven, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Oliver runs, but into the pop-up and BOSTON BAYONET! Cover, TWO! Oliver survives but Taven tags Bennett.

Bennett storms up on Oliver, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS! Then CHOPS again! Bennett keeps Oliver cornered to stomp him, then reels him in for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Bennett tags Taven back in, and he feeds Oliver to a BOOT! Bennett ROCKS Oliver, Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Taven brings Oliver up again, suplexes high and hard, then covers, TWO! Oliver toughs it out but Taven keeps him from Price. Tag to Bennett and The Kingdom mugs Oliver. Bennett trips Oliver, and it’s the Kingdom classic: CATAPULT into the GAMANGIRI, and Oliver falls back! Taven slingshots for the ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER! High stack, TWO!

The fans fire up as Oliver survives, but Bennett drags Oliver back by a leg. Bennett grapevines, Taven tags in, and he taunts Price a little as he ELBOW DROPS Oliver’s back! Taven “apologizes” for the taunt, then he drags Oliver up. Taven brings Oliver around but Oliver fires hands! Oliver reaches out but Taven ELBOWS him in the back! The fans rally as Taven runs, KICK OF- DROPKICK from Oliver!! The fans fire up as both men are down after that anti-air! Oliver crawls, but so does Taven, hot tag to Bennett! Bennett BLASTS Price, but Oliver CHOPS! Bennett CHOPS, so Oliver CHOPS again! The CHOPS keep going and the fans fire up!

Bennett fires forearms, Oliver headlocks, but Bennett powers up and out. Bennett hurdles but Oliver jumps up, FLYING SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Oliver crawls, so does Bennett, hot tags to Taven and Price! Buster blocks a shot to GAMANGIRI! Bennett runs up, into a GAMANGIRI! Price goes up, he leaps over Taven to SKY SPLITTER on Bennett! Price keeps moving, and he dodges Taven to top rope springboard! Taven gets under the Quebrada, pops Price up, but Price DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Price powers up, but Taven rolls him up! TWO! Price mule kicks, front kicks, then goes up the corner, FLYING BLOCKBUSTER!

Price has to hurry back for the cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Price looks for Oliver. Oliver is still down, and The Kingdom regroups outside. Price builds speed, but Bennett slides in and DECKS him first! Oliver is back up and he BOOTS Bennett! But the KICK O’ THE KING finds him! Price BOOTS Taven, Taven SUPERKICKS Price, but Price JUMP KNEES! Price runs, Bennett is back, fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER, then JUST THE TIP of the knee! Cover, but Oliver breaks it! Bennett TOSSES Oliver while the fans fire up! OGK regroups, and they get Price up. Bennett puts Price up top, hooks him up, and Taven aims!

But Price SHOVES Bennett away, BOOTS him down, but Taven GAMANGIRIS! Price tumbles, Oliver rises, so Taven goes after Oliver! Oliver fights the suplex, shoves Taven down, but Bennett SMACKS Oliver! Bennett climbs to have Oliver, but Oliver fires body shots! Oliver shoves Bennett down, but Taven is back! Taven CLUBS away on Oliver, but Oliver SUPER GOURD BUSTERS!! Price SPLASHES in!! Cover, TWO?!? Taven survives but Oliver calls to Price. But Bennett YANKS Oliver down! Only for Oliver to POST Bennett first! Taven catches Price, CLIM- NO, Price pops free, whips, but Taven reverses! Oliver tags in as Price slingshots!

Price whips, Oliver BODY BLOWS, Price KNEE SMASHES, and Oliver basement DROPKICKS! The fans are thunderous as Oliver Electric Chair Lifts Taven! Price climbs but Bennett goes after him! Price fights free of that, to SUPER CROSSBODY Bennett! Taven slips down to CLAW Oliver’s eyes! Roll up, with tights! KINGDOM WINS!

Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall

They’ve still got it, alright! Tricks and trickery included! But will this still be their kingdom? Or will it be a little harder going after La Faccion Ingobernable with those tricks?

ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Ground: Athena VS Hyan!

The Fallen Goddess talked about her toughest challengers being the ones she had a hand in training, and yet she still overcame those challengers for that same reason. But will she be caught off guard by The Renaissance Woman? Or will ten minutes be more than enough time for the ROH Gatekeeper to turn her away?

The Code of Honor is upheld, and Hyan even kisses the hand. Athena wipes it off on the ref as the bell rings, The two circle and tie up, and Athena headlocks hard. Hyan powers up and out, Athena rolls over the dropdown, then bypasses, only for Hyan to drop down on the dropdown for a gator roll! Hyan suplexes but Athena counters to a cradle, TWO! Hyan has it, Athena has it, and they roll, roll, roll, roll, roll, until Hyan lands on it! TWO!! Athena runs up but Hyan RUNS her over! The fans cheer as Hyan flexes! Athena goes to the ropes, but Hyan goes up, out, and BOOTS Athena back into the ring!

The fans cheer as Hyan steps in, and she goes up a corner to RANA! Athena stumbles, but Hyan DROPKICKS her down! Hyan has to hurry after Athena for the cover, ONE! The fans rally as Hyan brings Athena up to ROCK her! Hyan whips corner to corner, Athena goes up, but Hyan avoids the leap! SPEAR blocked, and Athena CLUBS away on Hyan’s back! Athena then TOSSES Hyan to the apron, and BOOTS her down! Hyan falls into the railing and the front row has to watch out! Athena builds speed to DIVE, and they hit railing together! The fans fire up for Athena while she brings Hyan around. Athena puts Hyan against the apron to CHOP!

The fans cheer as Hyan sputters, but Athena CLUBS Hyan down. Athena puts Hyan in the ring, then KICKS her in the side! Hyan goes to a corner, but Athena digs her boot in! Athena almost scrapes Hyan out of the ring, but she gets in the ref’s face about getting on her case! The fans chant “SLAP THE REF!” but Athena just KICKS away on Hyan! Athena stands Hyan up for a cravat and neck wrench, but Hyan fires body shots. Athena KNEES Hyan again and again, then snapmares her to KICK her in the back! Athena clamps on the chinlock but the fans rally up as Hyan endures. Hyan fights up, around, and fires body shots.

Athena THROWS Hyan down, then shouts, “This is MY show!” The fans cheer that! Hyan flounders against ropes, but Athena brings her around. Athena SLAPS Hyan, then whips, but Hyan blocks and ROCKS in return! Hyan wrenches, reels Athena in, and NORTHERN LIGHTS with the release! The fans fire up with Hyan, she ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT Athena down! The fans rally for Hyan as she runs up and SPLASHES in the corner! Hyan snapmares, the fans fire up, and Hyan goes up a corner. Hyan CROSSBODIES as we hit the five minute mark! TWO, but Hyan keeps her focus. The fans rally and Hyan watches Athena go to ropes.

Hyan storms up, she blocks the kicks and YANKS Athena up! Athena lands on her feet but Hyan ducks the lariat to then ELBOW Athena down! The fans fire up and Hyan storms over to Athena. But Athena reaches up to RANA! The fans rally as Hyan comes back, but Athena mule kicks! Athena runs, BOOTS Hyan, then ROCKS her! Athena reels Hyan in, spells it out, “FOR-E-VER!” ATAX- NO, Hyan flips through and reels Athena in! Chicken wings and- NO, Athena somersaults, but Hyan somersaults it back! TWO, and Athena wheelbarrows to then tie up the legs! Deathlock, SURFBOARD STOMP! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Hyan survives, and Athena is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” but Athena is furious now. Athena stalks Hyan, SLAPS her, then talks trash. Athena SLAPS Hyan again, then brings her up at the three minute warning! Hyan blocks the kick, trips Athena, then runs to shove and bypass! Athena springboards, into a CUTTER?!? Cover, TWO!! Hyan hurries to lift and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and the fans fire up! Hyan huffs ‘n’ puffs and focuses herself. Hyan brings kneepads down, then tunes up! Athena stands, Hyan runs up, but Athena dodges the knee to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Athena holds on and GERM- NO, Hyan ELBOWS free! Hyan reels Athena in, lifts, but Athena slips free! Clinch and ATAXIA!! KOJI KLUTCH!! Hyan flails, reaches out, but she TAPS! Athena wins!!

Winner: Athena, by submission (denies Hyan a title opportunity)

Athena thrashes Hyan as she lets her go, but Hyan did push this to the two minute warning. Athena is razor sharp now going into Global Wars, but she wants to make an example of Hyan! Athena kisses her on the forehead, before she SMASHES Hyan on the belt! The fans boo but Athena grins as she holds onto the title. Will the Fallen Goddess prove she’s the best in the world when she tears down Syuri? Or will Syuri earn herself a shot at ending the forever reign?

My Thoughts:

Another good ROH, it was just shy of two hours, which they seem to be aiming for again and again. I wish I had time to include Aminata VS Lacey, that looked like a great match even skimming it, and they had a good promo later to set up more rematches. I almost thought they were gonna pitch a tag team since A) CRU is RIP, and B) the Women’s Tag Division does need more teams, Divine Dominion’s whole story is that they’ve run through the roster as it is. Very good promo from Athena separate from Chop It Up, but again, that makes things redundant. But I suppose with only so much time before Global Wars: Cincinnati, they gotta plug Athena VS Syuri somewhere. Could’ve been during Chop It Up but whatever.

Great Proving Ground match for Athena and Hyan, and I kinda thought Hyan would push the time limit a little closer than two minutes, but still a great showing in defeat. They must really want to do Athena VS Billie 3 at some point, and they just need to rip the bandage off if they do. I’ll keep arguing that Final Battle 2024 was the time but they held back because of WrestleDynasty, but now, in 2026, Billie needs to be the one to beat Athena, or at the very least she should be the reason Athena loses. Supercard was also when they should’ve done it cuz of Survival of the Fittest, but whatever, they must’ve thought about having Athena for Global Wars on top of the Owen Hart Cup.

Great showing for Mance Warner and Isla Dawn in their own Proving Ground matches, and I also thought they were gonna get a bit closer than that. But the champions winning out makes sense, Lee has his story with Nigel to build, and Deonna has other names she can face as Global Wars approaches. Great showing for Price & Oliver against The Kingdom, but Kingdom is on a return push so them winning works. Plus, it was underhanded, so it protects Buster & The Brain on some level. Just gotta wait on them actually building a story with LFI now.

My Score: 8.7/10